Page 6 of Married To October

“Why is that so hot?” she asks, whining because she needs to come, but I won’t let her.

“I don’t know love, but it’s the truth.” Without thinking, my hand moves to her stomach, and something in me shifts. This alpha, like primal instinct, covers me, forcing my head to whip back. This is the most caveman I have ever felt, and the riper she gets, the stronger this feeling gets.

Friday, we had a doctor's appointment. We knew it would be an ultrasound, but neither of us anticipated anything else.“So, everything looksgreat. You're measuring right on target with thescale. How have your eating habits been? Are you getting in fruits and veggies? Are you monitoring your sugar intake to avoid diabetes while pregnant?”

“Yes. I have been very careful, and my diet is balanced. I may have an extra helping of cheese, but that’s about it.” I chuckle when she says that because an extra is an understatement. Her cravings consist of cheese, cheese, and more cheese.

“That’s perfectly fine. Getting in your exercise?” I can’t help myself.

“Well, what do you consider exercise?” I cheekily ask the doctor. Mortified, October hits my chest and frowns at me, but the doctor laughs.

“Trust me. I have seen and heard everything.” I continue smiling loving the look of horror on my wife’s face. “So what do you say, guys? Do you want to know the sex?” And like that, the wind changes, and we are both like a deer in headlights. Unsure what to say, I look at October, and she looks at me. I think this should be her choice. Squeezing her hand she looks so scared before turning to the doctor.

“Yeah. We have had enough surprises.” damn right about that. The doctor moves the device around her stomach, pointing things out, and then she stops.

“Ah. Here we go. See here?” she asks as she points to this little space like we are supposed to know what we are lookingat. “Congratulations. You are having a baby girl.” Holy shit!! A girl? I have a daughter. Realizing my wife has said nothing, I look down and see tears coming out of her eyes. “I will step out,” the doctor says.

“Oh no, baby. Why the tears?” I ask, wiping her beautifully red face.

“I don’t know. I’m just so…overwhelmed.” That makes two of us.

“I understand. Listen. Why don’t we walk around a bit and process all of this.”

That is how one day turned into a weekend spent strolling downtown, talking, and trying to soak up as much of our time as we could. We went through the park and watched other families and their children, neither of us saying anything nor commenting on our feelings. Instead, we sat in silence. I’m sure both of us were scared and oozing with words but choosing not to talk.

At one point, we stopped in front of a baby store, both aware that we needed to get on the ball and start working on the nursery and coming up with a list. At the very least, we could go inside and look around, but when it came time to it, we looked at one another, and the silent conversation was,“We have to do this, but maybe tomorrow.”

“Eli,” she calls my name once more, bringing me back, and suddenly I realize her hand is between her legs. Before I can make her move it, she is squeezing my balls, and like a blinding flash of light, I curse and buck against her, biting into her neck as a punishment that only serves to pull her orgasm from her. Together, we fall into the abyss, her body shaking and laying on top of mine.

“How are you feeling, baby?” I move her sweaty hair from her face and kiss her lips before shifting up so that I am on my side,and she is lying beside me. I must look into her face to ensure she is not hiding something from me.

“I’m better. I needed that.” she giggles, leaning to kiss me again.

“I bet,” I say, pinching her side and smiling when she laughs; I pull her into my arms and kiss her head. You know I love you more than anything, right?”

“I do know that, Eli. I feel the same.” Nodding, I simply hold her. We do need to make a budget, though.” She sighs and rolls over. There is so much we need to do, starting with admitting this is real.

CHAPTER 7

OCTOBER

SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

The DNA testresults were a shock. Finding out that I had nine sisters was surreal, to say the least. As I stared at the contact information for January, one of my newfound siblings, I can’t help but wonder what this meant for my life. For my mom?

It was strange to learn that we were all named after months, a detail that seemed insignificant compared to the revelation that our father was none other than Armstrong Delacroix, the President of the United States. My mind reeled as I tried to process this information. How could I be a daughter of the leader of the free world? Just the thought makes me break out in hives.

Despite my nerves, I managed to gather the courage and call January. Her voice on the other end of the line was surprisingly warm and welcoming, and we quickly fell into conversation as if we had known each other for years. She told me about her life, and I shared mine, both of us realizing how similar our experiences had been despite growing up in different parts of the country.

As our call ended, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation about what this newfound family would mean for my future. The thought of having nine more sisters and a powerful father was overwhelming. But at the same time, I couldn't wait to get to know them and see where this journey would take me.

Over the next few days, The news continued to hit me like a punch to the gut, leaving me reeling and unsure of what to do next. Eli has been so supportive, but there are only so many times I can freak out before he has enough of my bullshit. I had thought I could handle anything life threw my way, but this...this was something else entirely.

As I sit on our couch, the weight of this revelation settles heavily on my shoulders, and I can’t help but feel like a fraud. How could I possibly belong to such an influential family? I am just a girl from a small town with no connections, and any wealth that I have is thanks to Eli. When I told my mother, she burst into hysterical laughter at first, but she sobered up when she realized I was serious. We talked about it at length, and I don’t think I’m being crazy here. This is a big deal.

But as much as I try to push it away, the truth remains: I am now a part of this world, whether I want to be or not, and that is the question: Do I want to be a part of that world?

I don’t even know where to begin unpacking this new reality. It is like trying to unravel a tangled ball of yarn. Whenever I think I have a handle on it, another knot appears, and I unravel instead.

---